Which Antidepressants Work Best for Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders affect millions of Americans. Since there are several types of anxiety disorders, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment and medication plan.

Treatment for anxiety typically begins with a form of psychotherapy known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

However, some individuals also benefit from medication to deal with anxiety coupled with therapy sessions. If medication is prescribed to help you, likely an antidepressant will be prescribed.

So which antidepressants work best for anxiety? Read on to learn more.

Can antidepressants help with anxiety?

Yes, antidepressants can and do help manage symptoms of anxiety.

Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat [generalized anxiety disorder][1]. Additionally, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are also prescribed for anxiety disorders. Short-term use of benzodiazepines may also be used to treat severe panic attacks, though they are not a first-line treatment.

What antidepressants work best for anxiety?

SSRIs and SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants to treat anxiety disorders. These antidepressants include:

- [Citalopram (Generic Celexa)][2]

- [Escitalopram (Generic Lexapro)][3]

- [Fluoxetine (Generic Prozac)][4]

- [Paroxetine (Generic Paxil)][5]

- [Sertraline (Generic Zoloft)][6]

- [Venlafaxine (Generic Effexor)][7]

- [Duloxetine (Generic Cymbalta)][8]

### Citalopram (Generic Celexa)

Citalopram, the generic form of the brand drug Celexa, is an SSRI. It works to restore a balance of serotonin in the brain.

Escitalopram (Generic Lexapro)

Escitalopram, the generic for Lexapro is often used to treat both anxiety and depression. It is an SSRI medication.

Fluoxetine (Generic Prozac)

Fluoxetine, the generic for Prozac is prescribed to treat anxiety, depression, panic attacks, [obsessive-compulsive disorder][16] (OCD), and bulimia. It is an SSRI medication.

Paroxetine (Generic Paxil)

Paroxetine is the generic version of Paxil. It is prescribed to treat anxiety including [post-traumatic stress disorder][17] (PTSD), OCD, panic attacks, and other anxiety disorders. It is an SSRI medication.

Sertraline (Generic Zoloft)

Sertraline is the generic form of Zoloft. It is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders including PTSD, [social anxiety disorder][18], OCD, and panic attacks. As an SSRI, sertraline works to restore the balance of serotonin in the brain.

Venlafaxine (Generic Effexor)

Venlafaxine, the generic for the brand drug Effexor is an SNRI medication prescribed for anxiety disorders and depression. It works by restoring proper levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Duloxetine (Generic Cymbalta)

Duloxetine HCL, the generic for Cymbalta, is an SNRI. It is prescribed for both anxiety and depression.

How are antidepressants and anxiety medications different?

Many of the same medications are used to treat both anxiety and depression, and a single medication can work to reduce symptoms of both conditions simultaneously. This is because anxiety and depression commonly occur together, and are both caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.

Some individuals with severe anxiety may be prescribed a combination of medications or may be prescribed a fast-acting benzodiazepine for short-term use. However, there is a [risk of addiction to benzodiazepines][19], therefore these medications are not recommended for long-term treatment. However, SSRIs and SNRIs are approved for long-term treatment.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/citalopram/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/escitalopram-oxalate/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fluoxetine-hcl/coupons

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/paroxetine-hcl/coupons

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/sertraline-hcl/coupons

[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/venlafaxine-hcl-er/coupons

[8]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/duloxetine-hcl/coupons

[9]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/citalopram/coupons

[10]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/escitalopram-oxalate/coupons

[11]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fluoxetine-hcl/coupons

[12]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/paroxetine/coupons

[13]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/sertraline-hcl/coupons

[14]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/venlafaxine-hcl/coupons

[15]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/duloxetine-hcl/coupons

[16]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/ocd

[17]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/ptsd

[18]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/social-anxiety-disorder

[19]: https://mphdegree.usc.edu/blog/the-next-u-s-drug-epidemic-as-of-2019/

How to Afford Medications for Anxiety

If you are prescribed medication for anxiety, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. Fortunately, medication for anxiety can be extremely affordable if you do not have insurance.

RxSaver offers discounted pricing on all commonly prescribed anxiety medications. You can use RxSaver in place of your insurance if the coupon price beats your insurance copay. You can also use RxSaver if you do not have health insurance coverage.

RxSaver does not require a membership and is free to use. Simply type in your medication on the RxSaver website, or free mobile app to find the pharmacy near you that offers the best pricing on your anxiety medication.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1–800–273–8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. You may also reach out to the Samaritans: Call or text (877) 870-HOPE (4673).

Citalopram: 20 mg / 30 tablets

Escitalopram: 10 mg / 30 tablets

Fluoxetine: 20 mg / 30 capsules

Paroxetine: 7.5 mg / 30 capsules

Sertraline: 100 mg / 30 tablets

Venlafaxine: 75 mg / 30 tablets

Duloxetine: 60 mg / 30 capsule drs

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/5/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.